British Comedy Guide - Weekly Newsletter


Weekly Newsletter	Thursday 5th April 2012

Here's our bumper-sized newsletter to take you through Easter weekend and the new season of TV (there's 8 new series starting next week)...

Latest Comedy News

	Watson & Oliver recommissioned by BBC Two BBC Two sketch series Watson & Oliver will return for a second series, despite receiving only modest ratings. Read
	Jack Dee comedy series ordered by Sky Atlantic Jack Dee will host a brand new comedy series for Sky Atlantic, focussed on members of the studio audience. Read
	BBC Four to broadcast Kenny Everett biopic BBC Four has announced its latest biopic commission - The Best Possible Taste, about the life and work of Kenny Everett. Read
	Adam & Joe lead comedy nominations for Sony Radio Awards 2012 Adam & Joe, Another Case of Milton Jones, Down The Line, and Mark Steel's In Town are amongst the nominees for the Sony Radio Awards 2012. Read
	GOLD orders new 'Yes, Prime Minister' series Digital channel GOLD has ordered a brand new series of hit 1980s satirical sitcom Yes, Prime Minister. Read
	Jason Manford set to star in ITV nudist sitcom Stand-up comedian Jason Manford is set to star in a new ITV sitcom about a family of naturists. Read
	Adam Buxton's BUG video show to move to TV BUG, the live show in which Adam Buxton comically showcases music videos, is set to transfer to TV. The comedian is making 8 episodes for Sky Atlantic. Read

Also of interest...

Here are some links you might be interested in...

- Robert Webb has signed up to be the 'Winnie the Pooh storyteller' on a new Disney TV show. Cue most publications having fun with 'Pooh' headlines: On the Box

- The top 10 times they got it wrong on QI: Dave

- The New Yorker has a big profile on The Thick Of It producer Armando Iannucci. His new US show Veep is launching soon: The New Yorker

- Pictures of Steve Coogan, David Walliams and Anna Friel on set of new movie The King Of Soho: The Daily Mail

- LEGO fans are hoping the company will make their brick-based Shaun of the Dead set official: Tellyspotting

- Royle Family star Sue Johnston has landed a role in Coronation Street: BBC News

- Charlie Brooker goes un-expectedly soft in his weekly Guardian column when talking about becoming a father: The Guardian

- The BBC asks if Aardman's new (very British) movie Pirates! will do ok in the USA: BBC News

- Dave Gorman lists his top 10 stand-up comedians: Time Out

- Paul Merton discusses his 1990 stay in a psychiatric ward: The Mirror

For daily links and gossip, follow us on Twitter: @UKComedyNews

Features

	BCG Podcast with guest Andrew Ellard Top script editor Andrew Ellard joins Dave Cohen and James Cary to talk about comedy. Andrew discusses working on the new Red Dwarf series, why The IT Crowd is ending, his hopes for the Brian Butterfield movie, the mechanics of comedy, and more. Listen
	Humphrey Ker interview One minute Humphrey Ker is swearing at Churchill, the next he's sticking up for Luis Suarez (sort of). Si Hawkins unloads a Luger-full of questions at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer and occasional football pundit. Read
	Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown: Episode 2 An Easter (and bath) themed episode of the hit podcast panel show. Josie Long and 6 Music DJ Shaun Keaveny find themselves in Pappy's flat this week for games involving snorkels, creme eggs and more. Listen

TV Highlights

Here is a guide to some of the things on TV this week...

	Just A Minute Thursday, BBC Two, 6pm Two more episodes of the TV version left. Nicholas Parsons and Paul Merton are joined by guests including Gyles Brandreth tonight, and Stephen Fry on Friday. Guide
	Celebrity Juice Thursday, ITV2, 10pm Keith Lemon presents an Irish-themed episode of the topical showbiz panel show. Will he be looking tired?... he's been pretty busy making his new film (see clip at bottom of this email) and a new series (see Saturday). Guide
	The Sarah Millican Television Programme Thursday, BBC Two, 10pm This week Sarah Millican is joking about Sports and Entertainment programmes. She meets commentator Clare Balding, Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, and showbusiness force of nature Louie Spence. Guide
	Benidorm Friday, ITV1, 9pm It's the last episode in the series. Joyce becomes convinced that new guest Mrs Simmonds is the hotel assessor, but her attempts to impress do not start smoothly. Meanwhile, deep divides emerge in the Garvey clan - can the family set aside their differences? Guide
	Twenty Twelve Friday, BBC Two, 10pm The Algerian Olympic team are still threatening to boycott the Games after discovering that the Shared Belief Centre does not face Mecca. Jason Watkins (Psychoville, Trollied etc) is amongst the guest cast this week. Guide
	The Mad Bad Ad Show Friday, Channel 4, 11:35pm Channel 4's advertising-linked panel show limps towards its conclusion. In this fifth show the ads are themed around beer, and Micky and Mark are joined by Rufus Hound and Sarah Pascoe. The final episode is on Friday 13th. Guide
	Keith Lemon's LemonAid Saturday, ITV1, 6:15pm A new studio entertainment series hosted by Keith Lemon (Leigh Francis in character). The format involves Keith attempting to solve the public's problems in his own 'unique way'. Guide
	Horrible Histories Monday - Friday, CBBC Channel, 5pm Yay! The super-smashing multi award-winning children's sketch show is back for a new series. There's a new episode on the CBBC Channel every day next week. It's certainly not just for kids... watch out for guest appearances from The League Of Gentlemen! Guide
	Facejacker Tuesday, Channel 4, 10pm The prank show continues. Dufrais goes on a trolleybus tour; The Fonejacker takes over the GPS system of a special car for tourists; whilst Augustus tries to rent a bike. Guide
	Hit The Road Jack Tuesday, Channel 4, 10:30pm Jack Whitehall performs in a Manchester church, as his TV tour of the UK continues. He's joined by Lancashire cricketer Freddie Flintoff and music guest Maverick Sabre. Guide
	The Matt Lucas Awards Tuesday, BBC One, 10:35pm Matt Lucas brings his Radio 2 panel show format to television. Basically his guests (this time: Jason Manford, Graeme Garden, Henning Wehn) nominate people and things for his obscure award categories. Guide
	The Unforgettable Dick Emery Wednesday, ITV1, 7:30pm A tribute to Dick Emery - best known for his sketch show of comic characters and catchphrases in the 70s. This episode includes rare home movie footage of the comedy star. Guide
	10 O'Clock Live Wednesday, Channel 4, 10pm The last episode of the topical comedy show hosted by David Mitchell, Lauren Laverne, Jimmy Carr and Charlie Brooker. They've delivered some amusing moments over the last 10 weeks... but enough to gift them a third series? Guide
	Russell Howard's Good News Thursday 12th, BBC Three, 9pm Russell Howard is back for a 6th series of his wildly popular topical comedy show... it's now been moved to a prime-time slot, and has been given a extended-length 12 week run too. Guide
	Celebrity Juice Thursday 12th, ITV2, 10pm No Fearne Cotton in this 12th of April show, so Holly Willoughby will be joined by guest team captain Jonathan Ross. Guests will include Vernon Kay. Guide
	The Sarah Millican Television Programme Thursday 12th, BBC Two, 10pm In the final episode of the series, Sarah Millican will be looking at Crime and Medical programmes. She meets Dr Pixie McKenna from Embarrassing Bodies and Rav Wilding from Crimewatch. Guide
	Derek Thursday 12th, Channel 4, 10pm A one-off bittersweet comedy drama starring Ricky Gervais as Derek Noakes, a kind-hearted retirement home worker. Look out for Karl Pilkington making his acting debut. Guide
	Would I Lie To You? Friday 13th, BBC One, 8:30pm A new series of the fib telling panel show hosted by Rob Brydon. It's a great format, but how will it fare in a slightly earlier timeslot with little or no swearing? Lee Mack is joined by Alex Jones and Alexander Armstrong and David Mitchell is joined by Chris Tarrant and Mel Giedroyc. Guide
	Have I Got News For You Friday 13th, BBC One, 9pm The daddy of all TV panel shows is back too. Episodes and Dirk Gently star Stephen Mangan takes his third stint in the guest host chair. Miles Jupp and Grace Dent are the guests booked. Guide
	Not Going Out Friday 13th, BBC One, 9:30pm Happy, happy days. Lee Mack's gag-packed sitcom is back for a fifth series. More jokes in this than the rest of the sitcoms put together. The first episode's a corker, as Lee and Tim join a band... Guide
	Twenty Twelve Friday 13th, BBC Two, 10pm The third (and penultimate!) episode of the new series. Clarence House has asked the Olympics organising team to look at ways of linking the sports event with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. As if they didn't have enough on their plate. Guide
	The Graham Norton Show Friday 13th, BBC One, 10:35pm Graham Norton is back for a new series of his entertaining chat show. It's very 'Hollywood', with Cate Blanchett, Ewan McGregor and Michael Sheen all plugging things. Matt Lucas talks about his new show too. Guide

Above is just some of the new comedy that will be on telly. For a complete list see our TV & radio schedule.

New DVDs

	Benidorm - The Complete Series Five In Series 5 of Benidorm, the Garvey family find themselves embroiled in a typical holiday disaster. There's trouble with the tanning shops, a suspicious Moroccan, and plenty more intrigue besides. Don't miss the wonderful trio of Mateo, Les(ley) and Liam! Pre-Order
	Slinger's Day - The Complete Series Environmental protesters, a shoplifting epidemic, a burgeoning butter mountain and largely incompetent staff are just a few of the problems facing Cecil Slinger, the new manager of Supafare. This is a pretty unremarkable series in many respects - but features Bruce Forsyth in his only sitcom role to date. Pre-Order
	Beadle's About - The Complete Second Series It's almost 25 years old, but Beadle's About is nevertheless still far funnier than one might expect. Packed with audacious stunts involving pet shops, launderettes, French policemen, tennis courts and tanks, this DVD really highlights how poor recent hidden camera prank shows have been. Order
	Dirk Gently Stephen Mangan stars as Douglas Adams' self-styled Holistic Detective, Dirk Gently. Perennially broke and morally dubious, Dirk's methods are based on 'The Fundamental Interconnectedness of All Things'. The series deviates from the books somewhat, but it's still very clever and great fun. Don't miss out. Order
	Not Now Darling Based on Ray Cooney's record-breaking stage farce, Not Now Darling follows the misadventures of insatiable womaniser Gilbert Bodley (Leslie Phillips), the boss of an exclusive West End fur salon. Order

For more, see our full list of new releases and DVDs coming soon.

Comedy Videos

	Twenty Twelve - Meet the actors The cast of BBC Two sitcom Twenty Twelve talk about their characters. Watch
	Cardinal Burns - Trailer The trailer for Cardinal Burns, the new sketch show starring Seb Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns which is launching soon on E4. Watch
	Keith Lemon: The Movie Keith Lemon is a lucky man. He's managed to get Kelly Brook into bed with him. Well, in this teaser trailer for his new film anyway. Watch
	Welcome to The Matt Lucas Awards Matt Lucas is joined by guests to host his own brand-new awards ceremony, the Lucases. Check out the title sequence from the first show - you might see some familiar faces! Watch
	Foster's Fast Show - Episode 13 Turns out there's a 13th episode of the online Fast Show series. Sketches include John Actor channel surfing; Ted & Ralph having a poignant conversation; and an advert for the new Cheesy Peas app. Watch
	Very Important People - Preview Clip VIP is the new Channel 4 celebrity impression show that promises to 'not only mock our beloved stars but also satirise a culture now bamboozled by trivia and gossip'. Morgana Robinson and Terry Mynott lead the cast. Watch
	Derek - Suicide Bomber or Shark? Derek (Ricky Gervais) and Dougie (Karl Pilkington) debate an important question on a bus in one of the various preview clips of this new show on our website. Watch
	The Horne Section - Alex Horne's 'Eggy Pop' What do you get if you cross an egg with a microwave? Alex Horne does a bit of 60-second cooking during his new Radio 4 series - here's footage from the recording: Watch

Message Board Posts...

Here are some quotes from our message board...

"I thought it was quite an enjoyable series, well written and it had some nice moments. I like the bit where Jamie's dad was giving him advice whilst Laura was in labour. It will be interesting to see how they will cope now that they are parents." pio231 on Pramface

"When I heard this I was very happy indeed." Jowan Mounsey on Yes, Prime Minister returning

"Difficult to see how this could work. Too much has changed in the last twenty years, not least the relationship between ministers and senior civil servants." Tursiops on Yes, Prime Minister

"Could be awesome with the right cast. Will be tough to better real life though in a politicial sitcom, a pasty tax and the government causing a fuel crisis are just too good." dennispennis123 on Yes, Prime Minister

"Very good news. I gave up watching after Episode 2 but loads of shows need a second series to find their feet. With better scripts and fewer repetitive sketches (not the same thing as running characters) then this has potential, due to the rapport and skills of the leads." Badge on Watson & Oliver getting another series

"Looks good from the clips. Reminds me a little of Human Remains in terms of style." DougWonnacott on Derek

"Just back from a recording. The bit I found most interesting was the change in time slot was brought up a few times, and they had to go back at the end to re-record a few lines which had a swearword in the first time round." Bronwinning on Would I Lie To You?

Guide Spotlight

Strange Hill High

Kids' shows just seem to be getting better and better. With multi-award winning sketch offerings such as Horrible Histories and Sorry, I've Got No Head achieving much acclaim, and a rip-roaring second series of surprise cartoon-boy hit sitcom Roy, a definite trend has been set - and this new animation, mixing a tiny bit of CGI with claymation techniques, looks set to be a corker when it hits screens later this year. The voice cast alone includes Richard Ayoade and Caroline Aherne! Guide

Thanks for Reading

Health warning: Don't eat as much chocolate this weekend as we at BCG are planning to! We'll be back with the next newsletter on Monday 16th, if they manage to resurrect us from the sugar-induced coma.

The British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk

Last minute going out idea for the weekend: The Musical Comedy Awards final is this Saturday in London. Just £15 to see the cream of this year's entrants, plus headliners Frisky & Mannish: Tickets.